After years of planning, the future of a proposed recreational amenity is in the hands of voters. The first advance poll for the community sports field and athletics facility borrowing referendum is Wednesday. “We’re ready to roll,” said Jeanne Byron, chief election officer. Residents will be asked if they authorize the borrowing of up to $7.5 million over 50 years to construct a sports complex at Okanagan College. Wednesday’s advance poll will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Schubert Centre, the Coldstream municipal office and the Regional District of North Okanagan office. There will also be an advance poll at those same locations April 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. General referendum day is April 6 and the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Priest Valley Gym, Coldstream Elementary, BX Elementary and Ellison Elementary. Residents can vote at any of the locations. To cast a ballot, resident electors will be required to produce two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) that prove residency and identity. Non-resident property electors must produce two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). They must prove they are entitled to register in relation to the property and, if applicable, provide written consent from the majority of the property owners. There is no corporate vote under provincial legislation. To vote, you must be 18 years or older, a Canadian citizen, a B.C. resident for at least six months and a resident of Greater Vernon for at least 30 days. Information on the referendum can be obtained at www.rdno.ca. Prior to Wednesday’s advance poll and general referendum day, polling clerks have undergone extensive training. “Our teams are in place and ready to go,” said Byron. The steering committee promoting the referendum will hold a public information session at Okanagan College Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Some comments from residents were published in the Morning Star (both for and against the project) as follows:
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2 comments:
My personal opinion is that we, the beleaguered taxpayers of Greater Vernon, can ill afford the luxury of a specialized surface track /field and the ancillary buildings for the remote possibility of some infrequent sports tourism events. Against a backdrop of huge infrastructure deficits (including 10s of millions for water), a shrinking youth demographic, a bankrupt school system, an underfunded healthcare system that can't cope with our aging population, and an anemic economy, we should be more careful with where we spend our money.....we are going to need it badly in years to come.
Well, I had supper at Boston Pizza Friday night and spent more than $15.00 which is the projected cost per household.
This town is going down the toilet for lack of facilities and future planning and needs to change. Also, as for it being too far out of town, dear heavens, if our city isn't going to expand anymore than that then we really are all doomed. Please people give some thought to what you are saying rather than just saying no, no, no to everything.
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